A new year is a great time for new experiences and several local museums offer you a chance for new experiences and perspectives by staying open overnight for sleepovers. Grab a sleeping bag, toothbrush, and jammies and reserve your tickets now. Many of these overnights will sell out quickly, so it’s best to reserve your spots […]

Cold weather is here, but that’s no excuse to stay home. It’s easy to cozy up to world renowned art, historical artifacts, and technological exhibits and enjoy the sights of the Chicago area. Some attractions can be pricey, especially when you’re paying for a whole family, so free days can be a huge relief […]

The Polar Express has arrived in Chicago! Rides are scheduled from now through January 1, 2019. The Polar Express is a VERY popular holiday event. It often sells out pretty quickly after tickets go on sale, which in most locations starts in June. The Polar Express at the Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin […]

Get those wishlists ready because Santa is in Chicago! As kids tell Santa what they want for Christmas, it’s a great time to get some great photos for your holiday cards, photo albums, and to post on social media. Many locations even offer special events for things like holiday pj’s, ugly sweaters, and pets for […]

The new, hands-on exhibit Dora and Diego—Let’s Explore! opens Saturday, September 22, at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago. Join the adventure into the Nickelodeon characters’ imaginative world to take part in a variety of activities to learn about nature and become problem solvers. The exhibit will also incorporate Spanish vocabulary throughout the journey, introducing the language to […]

The 2018 Chicago Baby Show, on August 25 & 26, 2018 will once again be the largest show for new and expectant parents in the country. Now in its 2nd year, no other event provides a better experience for thousands of expectant and new families from the Chicago area seeking a family-friendly jamboree of top […]

Children’s birthday parties have become a hot topic among parents and the pressure is real. During my childhood parents bought some cake, ice cream, and paper hats and we were pleased as punch. Now parents struggle with questions like: Do I invite the whole class or just close friends? Do I prepare goody bags? How […]

I don’t know about you, but we’re just about falling into our summer routine when the Fourth of July comes along to shake things up. I love it! Not only do I love celebrating independence and freedom, but it’s a kick in the butt. It’s a reminder that summer is filled with amazing opportunities for […]

My kids are growing up with Pixar movies. Cars taught them about friendship, Monsters Inc taught them to think independently, and Inside Out taught them about the importance of expressing their emotions. Then there’s Wall-e, Toy Story, The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, Up… the list goes on and on. The characters in these movies and the […]

Kids aren’t cheap. There’s clothing and shoes to buy every few months, groceries, and pediatrician visits. If you’re like me, you scrimp and save wherever you can. I’ve clipped coupons, bought things second-hand, and accepted hand-me-downs from friends and family. Being cheap (or “frugal”) is fine for clothes and toys, but when their care and […]

I love settling into a darkened movie theater with my family and a ginormous bucket of popcorn. It doesn’t matter if we see a brand new release, or an old favorite movie, it’s just nice to escape for an hour or so into a different world. Bonus: it’s especially nice to escape from the heat […]

It’s baseball season and lots of the local baseball teams have clubs for kids. Kids get souvenirs from the team and tickets to attend games for a fraction of the price you’d pay purchasing them separately. The Chicago White Sox even have a free kids club! Chicago White Sox Chicago White Sox Kids Club – Free […]

It’s baseball season! It’s always fun to catch a White Sox game at Guaranteed Rate Field, and there are plenty of extra fun events at the field as well. Family Field Day The Chicago White Sox are hosting a Family Field Day on Saturday, May 12, 2018. Fans will have the opportunity to experience […]

FREE, FREE, FREE! There’s no better price. Use this list to plan a single afternoon, a day full of activities, or an entire vacation. I’ve tried to include a lot of variety – indoor and outdoor, city and suburbs, and activities that are appropriate for toddlers, older kids, and adults. Any suggestions for additions to […]

The start of Spring in Chicago brings not just warm weather and colorful blooms, but also an increase in the number of free things to do. Buckingham Fountain, an iconic Chicago attraction, wakes from its winter slumber soon to entertain Chicagoans and visitors with hourly displays, including music and lights after dusk. Be there to […]